How Oncology Nurse Navigators Help Guide Patients Through Cancer Care

Patients with cancer often face a complex care journey from diagnosis through treatment, and oncology nurse navigators play a key role in helping guide that experience.

In this presentation, Michele Kranz, an oncology nurse navigator with Allina Health Cancer Institute, discusses how a clearly defined navigation role can improve both patient and caregiver experiences by ensuring consistent education, support and communication throughout care.

When asked how having a defined navigator role improves the patient and caregiver experience, Kranz explains that she often connects with patients right after a diagnosis or when a tumor is identified. From that point, she spends time on the phone helping patients understand what is happening, what comes next and what to expect. She describes herself as a consistent point of contact, someone who “walks the journey” with the patient from diagnosis through survivorship or whatever the care path may look like.

She also emphasizes that patients should understand the navigator’s role as one centered on education, support and advocacy. The navigator is present at every step, helping coordinate care and ensuring patients and caregivers are not navigating the system alone.

Transcript

How does having a clearly defined oncology nurse navigator role improve the patient caregiver experience during cancer care?

“So I, as a nurse navigator, will call you when you find out you have a tumor or when you're newly diagnosed with a cancer, and I will literally spend as much time as needed on the phone with you to help you understand what is happening, what to anticipate next, and be your little, your go-to person. I'm here to walk the journey with you from now until the end, survive. Membership, whatever that may look like.”

“So, what should patients understand about the role oncology nurse navigators play in helping coordinate complex cancer treatment and support services?”

“Yeah, so what I think the patient needs to know, as, as your oncology nurse navigator, I'm here to educate you, support you, and advocate for you. I'm here every step of the way.”

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